PoliticsNPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94Political newsNPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94PoliticsFri, 09 Dec 2016 17:12:36 +0000Politicshttp://ripr.org
Kristin GourlayThe City of Providence is recruiting members for a new Muslim-American advisory board. The mayor’s office says the initiative is aimed at protecting and serving every resident of the city regardless of race, religion, or other identifiers.Mayor Elorza Creates Muslim-American Advisory Boardhttp://ripr.org/post/mayor-elorza-creates-muslim-american-advisory-board
75467 as http://ripr.orgTue, 22 Nov 2016 17:16:17 +0000Mayor Elorza Creates Muslim-American Advisory BoardKristin GourlayAttorney General Peter Kilmartin will once again try to make drunk driving penalties more stringent in the Ocean State. Kilmartin’s office says he has filed legislation for the past five years to try to stiffen sentencing and intends to do so again this legislative session. He wants drivers who kill someone while under the influence to face a maximum of 30, up from 15, years in prison. And drivers who injure someone while intoxicated would face increased penalties as well. That’s a provision the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island has opposed in the past. Kilmartin also hopes to increase something called the “look back” period from five to 10 years. That’s the period a drunk driving offense remains on a driver’s record. In Massachusetts , the look-back period is a lifetime.Kilmartin Tries Again To Stiffen DUI Penaltieshttp://ripr.org/post/kilmartin-tries-again-stiffen-dui-penalties
75438 as http://ripr.orgMon, 21 Nov 2016 20:32:27 +0000Kilmartin Tries Again To Stiffen DUI PenaltiesPearl MacekThe state Board of Elections Wednesday night declined a request to delay the certification of votes in a high-profile legislative race.Board Of Elections Rejects Request To Delay Certification In Mattiello-Frias Racehttp://ripr.org/post/board-elections-rejects-request-delay-certification-mattiello-frias-race
75284 as http://ripr.orgThu, 17 Nov 2016 16:53:15 +0000Board Of Elections Rejects Request To Delay Certification In Mattiello-Frias RaceJohn Bender U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a Democrat, is one of several federal lawmakers voicing concerns over Republican Donald Trump’s early preparations for the White House.Whitehouse, Cicilline Join Democrats Criticizing Trump Appointeeshttp://ripr.org/post/whitehouse-cicilline-join-democrats-criticizing-trump-appointees
75239 as http://ripr.orgWed, 16 Nov 2016 14:17:06 +0000Whitehouse, Cicilline Join Democrats Criticizing Trump AppointeesJohn BenderRhode Island’s senior Senator Jack Reed said he’s hopeful that President-elect Donald Trump will be able to work across the aisle with Democratic members of Congress. Trump won on a campaign of fiery rhetoric, leading some to wonder how well he would work with others. Further, both the executive and legislative branches of government are now Republican led, but Reed said Democrats have been able to work within such a system before. “We’ve been there before, in 2001 President Bush was inaugurated, there was a Republican House and Senate, we will try to find common ground, work together try to resolve the issues that concern the American public,” said Reed. Trump set a conciliatory tone during his acceptance speech, and Hillary Clinton told her supporters to quote “keep an open mind” towards his presidency. However Reed said Trump’s proposal to repeal the Affordable Health Care act, known as Obamacare, is unwise. “I think the prudent thing is to go ahead and make changes where they’reRI Sen. Reed Hopeful For Bipartisan Collaboration Under Trump Administrationhttp://ripr.org/post/ri-sen-reed-hopeful-bipartisan-collaboration-under-trump-administration
75039 as http://ripr.orgThu, 10 Nov 2016 16:53:47 +0000RI Sen. Reed Hopeful For Bipartisan Collaboration Under Trump AdministrationElisabeth HarrisonProvidence NAACP Leader On Election: Undercurrent Of Racism Was There From The Beginninghttp://ripr.org/post/providence-naacp-leader-election-undercurrent-racism-was-there-beginning
74989 as http://ripr.orgThu, 10 Nov 2016 14:26:53 +0000Providence NAACP Leader On Election: Undercurrent Of Racism Was There From The BeginningJohn BenderWhile Republican Donald Trump’s election as president was considered a surprise, many local races went as expected. Several municipal leaders – from both parties –kept their seats. Mayors in three of Rhode Island’s largest cities celebrated victories by wide margins on election night. After a failed 2014 bid for Governor and despite several high profile scandals, Cranston Mayor Allan Fung beat his Democratic rival with more than 65 percent of the vote. The Republican has led Cranston since 2008. In Warwick, Rhode Island’s second-largest city, another Republican, Scott Avedisian, won re-election by a similar margin. First elected in 2000, Avedisian is the city’s longest serving mayor. Pawtucket mayor, Democrat Donald Grebien, won reelection with about 75 percent of the vote.Incumbent Mayors From Both Parties Hold Onto Their Jobs Across RIhttp://ripr.org/post/incumbent-mayors-both-parties-hold-their-jobs-across-ri
74988 as http://ripr.orgThu, 10 Nov 2016 14:25:38 +0000Incumbent Mayors From Both Parties Hold Onto Their Jobs Across RIJohn BenderOrganizers of an effort to recall Providence City Councilor Kevin Jackson say they’re just two hundred votes shy of the threshold for a special election. Volunteers spent Election Day collecting the signatures. Some 35 volunteers spread out across voting precincts in Providence’s third Ward, the area Jackson represents, talking with local voters. That includes the Mt. Hope, Summit and Blackstone Neighborhoods. Jackson was arrested and indicted this summer on five counts of embezzlement from a nonprofit he founded. Ward 3 resident Tricia Kammerer was one of the organizers collecting signatures. Organizer Tricia Kammerer says they’ve now got 1800 of the 2000 signatures required. “Folks were expressing that they were really embarrassed by this indictment, you know they think this brings dishonor to the office,” said Kammerer. “What we kept hearing was that people were really thankful that we were out there in force.” The group has until March to deliver 2000 signatures to the ProvidenceCollecting Signatures On Election Day, Organizers Say Jackson Recall Effort Is Well Under Wayhttp://ripr.org/post/collecting-signatures-election-day-organizers-say-jackson-recall-effort-well-under-way
74987 as http://ripr.orgThu, 10 Nov 2016 14:24:57 +0000Collecting Signatures On Election Day, Organizers Say Jackson Recall Effort Is Well Under WayKristin GourlayImmigrants across the nation are reacting to Donald Trump’s election victory. Rhode Island-based social service agency Progreso Latino serves immigrants around Providence and Pawtucket. Director Mario Bueno says many of his clients are still trying to digest the news of Trump’s win. But he says there’s already fear about Trump's plans to end some immigration amnesty programs. “Because they impact a lot of hardworking people, students, dreamers, who are here in the United States, who have been here since childhood," said Bueno. "We are fearful for the future but we are also hopeful the new president will be able to embrace all communities including immigrant communities.” The so-called “dreamers” are U.S.-born children of illegal immigrants. Bueno says he will be working with partners in the community to educate clients about their options and watching what promises Trump keeps when he takes office.RI Latinos React To Trump Victoryhttp://ripr.org/post/ri-latinos-react-trump-victory
74964 as http://ripr.orgWed, 09 Nov 2016 20:45:21 +0000RI Latinos React To Trump VictoryXiemena CondeStudents around the College Hill neighborhood of Providence expressed dismay over the election of Donald Trump as the country’s 45 th president. Brown University students held “self-care” gatherings on the campus green. Rhode Island School of Design faculty told students to take the Wednesday off if they wanted. Brown student, Katherine Duckworth voted for Hillary Clinton, and said she can’t talk about the results and not cry. “I don't see how this is going to get any better,” said Duckworth. “I don't see how we can possibly fix this. Like with losing the House, and the Senate, and they're going to get to choose the Supreme Court Justice.” The vacancy left on the Supreme Court by Antonin Scalia has not been filled. Republicans in Congress refused to hold confirmation hearings for President Barack Obama’s candidate, Merrick Garland. Student Duckworth said the was worried that Trump may also get to name as second Justice. “Ruth Bader Ginsburg is eighty-three, I don't see her making itCollege Students In Providence Express Dissapointment, Worry Over Trump Electionhttp://ripr.org/post/college-students-providence-express-dissapointment-worry-over-trump-election
75002 as http://ripr.orgWed, 09 Nov 2016 19:56:59 +0000College Students In Providence Express Dissapointment, Worry Over Trump ElectionAmbar EspinozaShawn Gately from Cranston thinks Trump’s win is amazing. “I think the Trump presidency is a statement against the establishment, both Republican, Democrat, and the fourth estate, also known as the media, and saying that the rest of us as U.S. citizens are fed up with the current status quo,” said Gately. Giovanni Cicione says he is stunned – in a good way – by this dramatic election’s presidential results. “The common knowledge was that Hillary was going to clean up, right? I think we have something to pay attention to here,” said Cicione. “I think that it’s important that we hear that there are a lot of average voters who are very upset with the system.” Warwick resident Peggy Porter said she could never vote for Clinton. “I really don’t have any respect for Hillary Clinton. I think it’d be great to have a woman president, just not this woman.” Porter thinks the country needs someone like Trump to turn around the economy. “Somebody who is going to secure the country from drugs andLocal Trump Supporters Energized By Republican's Presidential Winhttp://ripr.org/post/local-trump-supporters-energized-republicans-presidential-win
74940 as http://ripr.orgWed, 09 Nov 2016 15:08:18 +0000Local Trump Supporters Energized By Republican's Presidential WinElisabeth HarrisonPreliminary tallies show a “yes” vote statewide for a Tiverton casino, but the local vote remains close. In ballots cast Tuesday, 52 percent of local voters were for the casino, compared with 48 percent against.Casino Proponents Await Count Of Mail-In Ballotshttp://ripr.org/post/casino-proponents-await-count-mail-ballots
74918 as http://ripr.orgWed, 09 Nov 2016 05:57:59 +0000Casino Proponents Await Count Of Mail-In BallotsNPR StaffToday, as results come in across the country, NPR reporters will be updating this breaking news blog in real time. The NPR Politics team, along with Member station reporters, will be providing live updates in the form of photo, video, commentary and analysis for both national and local contested races. This includes NPR’s Tamara Keith who will be covering the Clinton/Kaine election night event and NPR’s Sarah McCammon, at the Trump/Pence event. NPR correspondents and Member station reporters will be following up with analysis on local, Congressional, Senate and gubernatorial races in New Hampshire, Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Wisconsin, Iowa, Arizona, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Nevada, and more. As you scroll through the live blog, come back to the top of the blog to populate new stories that have been posted since you’ve visited the page. Get a more in-depth look at each one of these races by clicking the “View Results” link in the top right of the blog. Loading...NPR's Election Live Bloghttp://ripr.org/post/nprs-election-live-blog
74903 as http://ripr.orgTue, 08 Nov 2016 20:06:01 +0000NPR's Election Live BlogElisabeth HarrisonThis week, in our RhodyVotes ’16 election coverage, we aired a conversation with Republicans about why they do, or do not, support Donald Trump. One piece of the conversation ended up on the cutting room floor, but it raised interesting questions about immigration. We’re going to spend a few minutes discussing those comments now. During the taping of our roundtable discussion with Republicans, Donald Trump’s Rhode Island Campaign Chairman, State Representative Joe Trillo, raised the issue of illegal immigration. This happened within the first couple of minutes of the conversation. He was responding to a question about Trump’s appeal from RIPR's Morning Host Chuck Hinman. Chuck Hinman: Now you’ve worked with a lot of supporters in RI, what is it about his message they are responding to here in this state? Joe Trillo: Trump has singled out all the problems that are ailing the country and ailing the state. He started with illegal immigration. Illegal immigration’s a major problem on aRhodyVotes '16: Fact-Checking Claim On Illegal Immigrationhttp://ripr.org/post/rhodyvotes-16-fact-checking-claim-illegal-immigration
74902 as http://ripr.orgTue, 08 Nov 2016 19:42:00 +0000RhodyVotes '16: Fact-Checking Claim On Illegal ImmigrationKristin GourlayPreliminary results for Rhode Island's General Election show Democrat Hillary Clinton leading Republican Donald Trump. A ballot measure for a casino in Tiverton appears headed for passage. And voters have approved bond issues for port upgrades, green space, the state Veteran's home and construction at the University of Rhode Island.RhodyVotes '16: Rhode Islanders Go To The Pollshttp://ripr.org/post/rhodyvotes-16-rhode-islanders-go-polls
74901 as http://ripr.orgTue, 08 Nov 2016 19:28:21 +0000RhodyVotes '16: Rhode Islanders Go To The PollsIan DonnisDemocratic House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello and his Republican rival, Steven Frias, squared off during a televised debate Friday. Cranston voters will pick between the two candidates on Tuesday. Mattiello and Frias fought on a series of issues during the 30-minute debate on WPRI-TV, Channel 12. Mattiello says tax cuts he’s supported have moved up Rhode Island about seven ranks from the bottom in a national business survey. Frias responded by saying that’s like going from an F grade to an F-minus. “I’m not bringing home an F,” Mattiello responded. “I’m bringing home an A. When you average it with an F, we’re a C+, so you have to keep working in the right direction.” “No wonder why we’re so screwed up,” Frias countered. “Tax-cutting is an A,” said Mattiello. Political observers are paying close attention to the race between Frias and Mattiello. That’s because the speakership has enormous power over spending and legislation at the Statehouse.House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello, Challenger Steven Frias Clash During TV Debatehttp://ripr.org/post/house-speaker-nicholas-mattiello-challenger-steven-frias-clash-during-tv-debate
74840 as http://ripr.orgSat, 05 Nov 2016 13:36:03 +0000House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello, Challenger Steven Frias Clash During TV DebateChuck Hinman National polling shows a tightening race for presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. In Rhode Island, Clinton is expected to win, but Republicans say don’t count Trump out just yet.RhodyVotes '16: Three Local Republicans On Their Choice For Presidenthttp://ripr.org/post/rhodyvotes-16-three-local-republicans-their-choice-president
74675 as http://ripr.orgThu, 03 Nov 2016 13:10:29 +0000RhodyVotes '16: Three Local Republicans On Their Choice For PresidentElisabeth Harrison Rhody Votes '16: The Ocean State's Down-Ballot And General Assembly Races To Watchhttp://ripr.org/post/rhody-votes-16-ocean-states-down-ballot-and-general-assembly-races-watch
74674 as http://ripr.orgThu, 03 Nov 2016 13:06:53 +0000Rhody Votes '16: The Ocean State's Down-Ballot And General Assembly Races To WatchJohn BenderNext week voters go to the polls to pick the next president of the United States. Rhode Island voters also vote on several statewide issues, including the proposal to build a casino in Tiverton. As part of our Rhody Votes ’16 coverage Rhode Island Public Radio’s John Bender headed to Tiverton, where residents are seemed lukewarm about the casino.Rhody Votes '16: Tiverton Residents Consider Twin River Casino Proposalhttp://ripr.org/post/rhody-votes-16-tiverton-residents-consider-twin-river-casino-proposal
74628 as http://ripr.orgWed, 02 Nov 2016 12:42:02 +0000Rhody Votes '16: Tiverton Residents Consider Twin River Casino ProposalElisabeth HarrisonNearly 30,000 Rhode Islanders have applied to vote by mail in the presidential election, up from roughly 23,000 in 2012. Those numbers from the office of Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea. Mail-in ballots are counted on Election Night. Gorbea says local boards of canvassers help to guard against vote fraud. “The mail ballot comes in and is reviewed by the local boards of canvassers and if there are any kinds of discrepancies that seem to trigger a concern, they’re taken up by the state Board of Elections,” said Gorbea. To qualify for a mail-in ballot, Rhode Islanders must be unable make it to their regular polling place due to travel, illness or other reasons. The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot has passed, but local boards of canvassers will accept emergency applications until 4 p.m. on November 7 th , the day before the election.Mail-In Ballot Applications Up In Rhode Island From 2012http://ripr.org/post/mail-ballot-applications-rhode-island-2012
74435 as http://ripr.orgFri, 28 Oct 2016 12:31:21 +0000Mail-In Ballot Applications Up In Rhode Island From 2012